A Milton Keynes cyclist who set up clubs for all ages and abilities, and acted as a tireless ambassador for the sport, has been nominated as one of the three finalists in this year's BBC East Unsung Sports Hero.

His friends describe him as a 'true enthusiast' and an 'inspiration', and in his 60 years of riding, starting in 1948 when he was 11, 75 year old Phil Ashbourne volunteered to set up national cycling paths and created the local branch of the CTC.

He said: "I think we do need to question what resources we put into cycling. It's a wonderful year for cycling - I never thought in my lifetime we'd have a Tour de France winner.

"It's kind of a reward to see people like Wiggins come through the system."